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Identification & Site Information

•Name: W.C. Richardson

•Type: Steamer

•Owned By: Richardson Transportation Company, Cleveland, Ohio

•Captain: William Burke

•Year of Loss: Date not specified (historical incident in the 19th or early 20th century)

•Final Resting Place: About three miles outside Buffalo, New York, Lake Erie

•Cargo: 200,000 bushels of flaxseed, valued at $370,000

Vessel Type Description

The W.C. Richardson was a Steamer built for bulk cargo transport across the Great Lakes. Steamers like this were critical to North America’s industrial economy, ferrying grain, coal, and other goods between ports. Its construction and operation were optimized for capacity and efficiency, with a sturdy build designed to withstand the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

History

Final Voyage and Grounding

The W.C. Richardson was en route from Duluth, Minnesota, to Buffalo, New York, carrying a valuable cargo of flaxseed. On its approach to Buffalo, the vessel ran aground on rocks approximately three miles outside the city. The grounding caused catastrophic damage to the ship, leaving it stranded and vulnerable to the elements.

Loss of Life

The incident resulted in the tragic drowning of five crew members:

•Samuel Mayberry: Chief Engineer

•Four additional engine room crew members.

Their bodies were not recovered, emphasizing the perilous conditions of the Great Lakes and the difficulty of rescue operations at the time.

Rescue Efforts

Despite the tragedy, fourteen crew members were successfully rescued and brought into Buffalo’s harbor. These efforts highlight the bravery and determination of the rescuers in challenging circumstances.

Economic Impact

•Vessel Value: Estimated at $200,000.

•Cargo Value: 200,000 bushels of flaxseed valued at $370,000.

The combined loss of the ship and its cargo represented a significant financial blow to the Richardson Transportation Company and the wider maritime trade.

Final Disposition

•Status: The W.C. Richardson was stranded and likely destroyed by the elements following its grounding. Details about salvage attempts or subsequent wreckage are not recorded.

•Location: The exact coordinates of the wreck are not documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Wreck Status: Unconfirmed or undocumented; it is unclear if any remains of the W.C. Richardson exist at the grounding site.

•Accessibility: The potential site may be in navigable waters near Buffalo, but further research or exploration would be needed to confirm its location.

Significance

The grounding of the W.C. Richardson underscores the hazards faced by Great Lakes vessels, particularly during periods of heavy industrial and agricultural trade. It also highlights the human cost of these tragedies, with the loss of crew members adding a poignant chapter to the history of maritime operations in the region.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical context and records of shipwrecks like the W.C. Richardson.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck database.

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks Database: Includes details on similar incidents and vessels.

Conclusion

The grounding of the W.C. Richardson near Buffalo, New York, was a significant maritime tragedy, involving the loss of life and a substantial economic loss. While details about the wreck’s current condition are limited, the story serves as a reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes mariners and the challenges of navigating these inland seas.

Keywords & Tags

•#WCRichardson

•#LakeErieShipwreck

•#GreatLakesTragedy

•#BuffaloNYMaritimeHistory

•#FlaxseedCargoLoss

•#RichardsonTransportationCompany

Let me know if you’d like further historical details or research about this vessel or related wrecks!